Overview

What is pericarditis in a child?

Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that surrounds and protects the heart in children. It sometimes causes pain and less commonly results in fluid accumulation in the area around the heart, interfering with its proper functioning.

What are the symptoms of pericarditis in children?

The most common presenting symptom of pericarditis in children is chest pain. The pain deteriorates when the child coughs, takes an aspiratory breath or lies down. Those affected commonly describe it as a stabbing or prickling sensation.

Other symptoms and signs:

Low-grade fever
Fatigue and shortness of breath
Palpitations
Loss of appetite

What causes pericarditis in children?

Viral infections are the leading cause of pericarditis in children, though others are also known to exist.

Secondary complications: It may occur after a heart surgery
Autoimmune infections: Conditions like lupus causes abnormalities around the body's pericardium and other areas
Chest injuries or trauma: Pericardium could be caused by a blow to the chest.

How is pericarditis diagnosed in children?

When the doctor suspects your child has pericarditis, he may ask your child some questions and perform a physical checkup, including listening to the heart with a stethoscope. If the pericardium is inflamed, a characteristic scratching sound may be called a pericardial detachment.

Other tests might be required to determine if the patient has pericarditis and the possible cause. The tests include:

Electrocardiogram: It displays the electrical load of the heart and thus might prove abnormalities in case the pericardium is inflamed.
Echocardiography: This uses sound waves to sketch the heart; your doctor will quickly tell whether fluid has accumulated around it.
Blood tests: This supports the location of immune system sicknesses or fundamental contaminations.
Chest X-ray: This test gives images on the film of the covering, bones, and organs using invisible X-beams. It assists in estimating the size of the heart.

How is pericarditis treated in children?

Medication

The treatment or medication will depend on the doctor of your child based on the cause and extent of heart damage due to the underlying reason.

The objective of treatment for pericarditis is to identify and exclude causes that lead to these symptoms. Several drugs are available for treatment, such as painkillers and antibiotics. Heart-supporting drugs might also be given if the patient's heart is bleeding excessively.

Aspiration is done to remove excess pericardial fluid.

Surgery-

Discuss the procedure with your child's doctor.

In the majority of cases, pericarditis in children responds well to treatment and resolves completely. However, contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is experiencing chest pain or other symptoms.

What complications can occur with pericarditis in children?

The condition can recur and become chronic. One possible cardiac consequence is tamponade.

When should I call the doctor about my child?

Contact a doctor if your child's symptoms, such as breathing problems or chest discomfort, become worse.

What are the most essential facts about pediatric pericarditis?

Pericarditis is a swelling, redness, and infection of the lining surrounding the heart. An infection is the most common cause of pericarditis. Chest discomfort is the most common symptom of pericarditis. A child may be somnolent, mischievous, and/or underfed. Pain and inflammation medication are just some of the treatments given to patients with pericarditis.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pediatric Pericarditis?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Pediatric Cardiologists, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. Pediatric cardiac science centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Pediatric Pericarditis.